1. Libel
By Michael Flax

2. Definition
A ________________ or ______________________or __________________ that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression.
A type of defamation

3. Definition (cont)
a statement or representation ___________ and ________________________________________ _____________________________
defamation of a person by _______________or ___________________ means

4. Libel
the publication of ______________, ______________, ______________, or ______________ writings or pictures
the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel

5. According to SPLC
Any printed communication – ________________________________________ – which tends to expose one to _____________, ______, ___________ or _________ or _________________________________________ _____ in the community or _______________________.

6. Libel can cause permanent harm.
Court
Libel can cause permanent harm.
__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ _____________.

7. ________________________ __________________
To Avoid Libel
________________________ __________________
Always try to find more than one source before publishing material that could be viewed as damaging.

8. Check Facts (cont)
Responsible journalists seek ____ or more sources that are ___________________ of one another, credible and in a position to know and tell the truth.

9. To avoid Libel (cont)
Remember that _____________ dictates that reporters contact the individual about whom they are writing.

10. Fairness (cont)
By contacting the _________________________ __________________, reporters obtain both sides of a controversial issue and often avoid printing incomplete or incorrect information.

11. ________________________________________________.
Avoid Libel (cont)
________________________________________________.

12. Good Judgment
Generally, editors rather than reporters worry about these kinds of questions, but an ethical reporter should consider the possible implications of printing or televising a particular story.

13. Public Persons
Do the same rights apply to Public Officials and Public Figures as an Average Person?

14. _______________
________________________ ________________________ _______________(desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another) in order to win libel actions.

15. Officials Government and policy- making roles.
Those who have or appear to have substantial responsibility for or control over the conduct of governmental affairs.

16. Public Figures
________________________ ________________________ ______________.

17. Where is the line?
The public-official rule protects the public interest in a free flow of information to the people concerning public officials and their servants.

18. Where is the line? (cont)
________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________.

19. Where is the line? (cont)
Officials and Public Figures usually enjoy _________________________ _________________________ ________________and hence have a more realistic opportunity to ______________________tha n private individuals normally enjoy.

20. Where is the line? (cont)
Private individuals are therefore ________________________ ________________________ ______________, and the state in ________________________ _________________.

21. Work Cited http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libel[1]
James Schaffer, Randall McCutheon, Kathryn Stofer. Journalism Matters. Thinking Like a Journalist. Lincolnwood, Ill Pgs